Need your advice for a noob... Is this a good buy? Please help!

[dntspeed3]

Hi peeps -

I am looking at an '03 Maxima SE with only 17k miles on it. Dealer is asking $18,500.

Is this a good price? Should I be concerned with a 4-5 year old car with so few miles? What should I look out for? Or should I just walk away?

I have always loved the 5th generation Maxima. I'm really torn. Please help!

Thanks in advance for your help.

[SVTCOBRA]

Get a carfax.Check KBB.I try to buy between trade in and private party.See if they will let you call the prior owner. They can call the owner and get the OK from them.

[NutriaforBreakfast]

Start low-crawl under it and look for obvious problems

Look for oil leaks, exhaust leaks, dents i.e. big and obviousstuff

If its been treated poorly, the engine and transmission have probablynot been maintained

[dntspeed3]

Thanks!

Unfortunately, I am going through Carmax and can only see the pictures and take the sales associate's word for its condition.

Plus, being out of state, I have to pay the transfer fee out of my own pocket if I wanted to personally inspect the car.

It's a gamble I guess.

Thanks again...

[SVTCOBRA]

get a carfax!!! I saw a cobra on the showroom floor at that company and it had been wrecked before. salesman told me it was mint condition.....even the fender emblem cobra was facing the wrong way.